Coordinate-Measured Part Assembly Without Precision Fixturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated assembly technologies face limitations in achieving high precision for assembling complex structures, as they rely on expensive fixturing systems and are not capable of accurately positioning components in multiple degrees of freedom without precise substrate alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a coordinate measuring machine to measure and position parts in a predetermined spatial relationship, allowing for accurate placement independent of substrate accuracy, by using two platforms that move relative to each other and employing probes to establish frames of reference and apply curable adhesives for fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional automated assembly apparatus are used, then automated assembly can be achieved, but manufacturing precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) with the automated assembly apparatus into a single integrated system. The CMM provides high-precision measurement capabilities while the assembly apparatus provides automated manipulation, and their integration allows the system to leverage both functionalities simultaneously for achieving high-precision automated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the CMM to measure the actual positions of components on the substrate, then feeds this measurement data back to the control system. The control system calculates correction values based on the measured positions and uses these corrections to adjust the positioning of subsequent component placements, thereby achieving high precision despite variations in substrate accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If expensive fixturing systems are used, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fixturing systems with a measurement-based approach using a coordinate measuring machine. Instead of relying on mechanical fixtures to constrain and position components with high precision, the system uses the CMM to measure actual component positions and computationally determines correction values, substituting mechanical complexity with measurement and calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinate measuring machine acts as an intermediary between the substrate/components and the assembly apparatus. Rather than directly using complex fixturing to achieve positioning, the CMM measures the intermediate state of components on the substrate and provides measurement data that the control system uses to calculate positioning corrections, serving as a mediator that simplifies the overall system.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise substrate alignment is required, then component placement accuracy improves, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of component positions on the substrate using the coordinate measuring machine before the actual assembly process. By measuring and recording the actual positions of components already placed on the substrate, the system creates a reference dataset that is used to calculate correction values for subsequent placements, eliminating the need for precise substrate alignment from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from requiring precise physical substrate alignment to using measurement-based parameter correction. Instead of controlling the physical position of the substrate with high precision, the system measures the actual positions of components and changes the positioning parameters (correction values) computationally to achieve the desired placement accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances manufacturing accuracy by leveraging the precision of the coordinate measuring machine, enabling the assembly of complex structures with high accuracy without requiring precise substrate formation, and allows for the assembly of parts in multiple degrees of freedom.
Implementation Method 1
using a coordinate measuring machine both to obtain measurements of a first part of the article and to position a second part of the article in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to the first part
Implementation Method 2
employing probes to establish frames of reference and apply curable adhesives for fixation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method is disclosed of manufacturing an article, with the method comprising using a coordinate measuring machine both to obtain three-dimensional point coordinate measurements of a first part (70) of the article that is already in place and to position a second part (80) of the article in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to the first part (70) in dependence upon the measurements of the first part (70). The predetermined spatial relationship is defined in more than three degrees of freedom. Positioning the second part (80) relative to the first part (70) comprises controlling the machine to move the second part (80) relative to the first part (70) in more than three degrees of freedom. The machine is controlled to hold the first and second parts (70, 80) in the predetermined spatial relationship while performing an operation to fix the first and second parts in the predetermined spatial relationship. The second part (80) is not in direct contact with any other part of the article when the first and second parts (70, 80) are in the predetermined spatial relationship, at least not in a manner which would interfere with or influence or affect the predetermined spatial relationship.